NJ Mayor, Family Facing Death Threats, Report Says

JACKSON, NJ — Authorities are investigating threatening voicemails that were left for Jackson Mayor Jennifer Kuhn in recent weeks, according to a report.

The threats have included messages saying, "I hope you die," News 12 New Jersey reported.

Jackson Township police are investigating the threats, Lt. Joseph Candido told News 12.

Patch has reached out to Kuhn and to Police Chief Mary Nelson for additional comment and information.

Kuhn told News 12 the threatening voicemails have been coming to her township office and to her personal business; Kuhn is a realtor.

She issued a statement Wednesday afternoon on her Facebook account, saying, "Let me be clear: I grew up in Jackson. It’s going to take a lot more than voicemails and Facebook threats to scare me."

"The problems we face after 20 years of one Mayor are serious, and nothing is going to stop me from working every day to fix them," she said. "That said, it is absolutely time to lower the temperature on our politics. Creating chaos, inviting in out of town agitators and social media influencers with their own agenda does nothing but make our problems worse and our divides deeper."

"That is why I am taking a Clean Campaign Pledge, promising to focus on the issues our residents face and refraining from personal attacks. Jackson deserves a Mayor & Council more concerned about doing good for its residents than for their own social media platforms," Kuhn wrote. "That is my promise to the people of my hometown. I hope all those running for office this year will join me in taking this pledge."

Jackson Township council meetings have been heated in recent months as concerns about overdevelopment have spiked in the town — concerns that have been raised throughout Ocean County.

Township council meetings have been packed to overflow capacity and the cancellation of the July 14 meeting at the last minute infuriated residents. In some instances the meetings have become so heated that residents were escorted from the meeting, prompting concerns about violations of the First Amendment.

Tuesday's council meeting, where the tensions in the town were addressed, can be watched below.

Note: This article has been updated with Kuhn's Facebook statement posted about 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 26.